Children receive good quality care from a dedicated team of staff who strive to meet their needs.” That’s the verdict of Ofsted inspectors following a recent visit to Wiltshire Council’s Canon’s House in Devizes.

The short breaks service provides care for children and young people with profound and multiple learning difficulties and complex heath and care needs.

Inspectors gave a Good rating overall for the home, with Outstanding for leadership, recognising how staff ensure every child enjoys their stay.

The report says: “Children have complex needs and some are non-verbal. Staff pay attention to their behavioural cues and respond in a timely and appropriate manner, showing children that they have been understood. When children have verbal ability, staff encourage their speech by asking them open questions, prompting their engagement in conversations.”

The report also highlights:

• Children are confident, relaxed and happy
• Staff have a good understanding of children’s needs, vulnerabilities, risks, communication, preferences and strengths
• Staff help children make progress in areas including communication, independence skills, socialisation, managing emotions and decision making
• Managers review targets for children to ensure they are meaningful and help them reach developmental milestone.
• Staff work incredibly hard to ensure that children have smooth transitions to adult services.
• Staff demonstrate a good understanding of children’s cognitive abilities and how to communicate with them in a manner that reflects their needs.
• Leaders work incredibly hard to ensure children receive consistently good care

Cllr Jon Hubbard, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Congratulations to the team at Canon’s House for the positive impact they are having on the lives of children and their families. When I recently visited, I saw first-hand how much it means to parents and carers to know that their loved one is receiving the very best care and support.

“This report shows just how brilliantly the dedicated staff at Canon’s House help provide the support families need. Their warmth, expertise and the fun they bring to every visit make a real difference.

“Ofsted’s independent judgement simply confirms what we already knew – Canon’s House is an exceptional place for our children, and families can be confident their loved ones are in wonderful hands.”

You can read the full report here – 50293356